Alabama

Tuition increase for state community colleges to be discussed

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State Board of Education will discuss a proposed tuition rate increase for Alabama's Community College System at a special meeting in Montgomery.

On Thursday, the Department of Postsecondary Education will consider a proposed rate increase of $15 per credit hour to be added to the cost of tuition for community colleges.

Area colleges that could be affected include Calhoun Community College and Drake State Technical College.

The meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the Gordon-Person's Building Auditorium in Montgomery. The public may speak to the board at the meeting.

Dean Argo, Director of Communications for the Department of Postsecondary Education, says this proposed rate will have to be approved by the board, which may choose to adjust the rate.

The Alabama Community College System is made up of 22 comprehensive community colleges and four technical colleges; Athens State University; and workforce development programs, including the Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute and the Alabama Technology Network.

Presidents of these institutions have been charged with making decisions that reduce costs and expenditures, without having impact on student services.

Schools have made various adjustments in an effort to save money. Everything from maintenance processes to assets like vehicles and equipment have been evaluated.

Some schools have left personnel positions unfilled, hired adjunct faculty and even eliminated athletic programs.